hmm. well, Zelda is mostly an 'action-adventure' type since it doesn't technically have a level-up system like typical RPGs do. but as for the first action-rpg, i'd have to say the first Ys game for sega master system

Edit: but after looking at release dates, i'd say the first one was Zelda 2: Adventure of Link for NES. it was out 5 months before Ys

Lag Seeing wrote:hmm. well, Zelda is mostly an 'action-adventure' type since it doesn't technically have a level-up system like typical RPGs do. but as for the first action-rpg, i'd have to say the first Ys game for sega master system

Edit: but after looking at release dates, i'd say the first one was Zelda 2: Adventure of Link for NES. it was out 5 months before Ys

It does pioneer a number of mechanics used in ARPGs though such as overworlds and saving on the cartridge. Technically when you beat a dungeon boss and get an extra heart container, you could consider that as 'levelling up'

yeah, i was gonna make the same argument about heart containers, but in terms of other stats (agility, strength, accuracy, etc) none of those are changed throughout the game. it's pretty much purely dependent upon your equipment